Introduction
Measurement Canada (MC) is an agency of Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada. It is responsible for ensuring accuracy in the selling of measured goods, developing and enforcing the laws related to measurement accuracy, approving and inspecting measuring devices and investigating complaints of suspected inaccurate measurement. MC fulfills its mandate by enforcing the Weights and Measures Act, the Electricity and Gas Inspection Act (EGIA) and their associated regulations.
Over the past few years, MC has been working to develop type-approval specifications for electric vehicle supply equipment (EVSE), commonly known as EV charging stations. Monitoring what organizations such as OIML, and legal metrology communities in the US and Canada's other trading partners are doing helps guide and harmonize Canadian requirements.
In 2022, MC published type-approval specifications and test procedures for Level 1 and Level 2 or alternating current (AC) EV charging stations. Work has been ongoing to revise the existing specifications and procedures to include legal metrology provisions for Level 3 EV charging stations or direct current (DC) charging stations.
To facilitate the consultation process, the proposed revised and new text in both the specifications and test procedures were presented in a table format for comments.
This report provides a brief summary of the feedback collected during the consultation period.
Who we heard from
The consultation took place from June 3, 2024, to July 31, 2024. Invitations were sent to stakeholders through internal and external distribution lists, and a social media campaign was initiated to enhance online visibility.
Feedback was received from nine respondents representing various stakeholder groups, including EVSE manufacturers, industry associations and electric utilities.
What we heard
The focus of this consultation was to collect feedback on proposed revisions to the type-approval specifications and test procedures for EVSE.
Overall, more than 100 comments were received about the proposed revisions. At least 50% of the proposed revisions were not commented on and are considered acceptable.
Most comments commonly addressed two requirements of the specifications:
- Display requirements; and
- Sealing of connecting cables.
The comments addressing the display requirements were largely in response to the new mandatory requirement whereby an EVSE must be equipped with a local display (physical display on the device). Most respondents indicated a preference for devices with a remote display capability only, rather than a mandatory local display and optional remote display capability.
The comments addressing the requirements for the sealing of connecting cables were largely in response to a lack of clarity in the proposed text. As proposed in the specifications, once an EVSE has been verified, sealed and placed into service, no modifications affecting the meter reading are permitted. Any modification such as a repair or the replacement of the connecting cables would trigger the need for a reverification and resealing of the EVSE before it could be used again for trade. Adjustments may be made to clarify the text.
Several comments suggested editorial changes or sought clarification on specific requirements or procedures.
Finally, about 25% of the comments addressed topics outside the scope of the consultation. These included topics such as the phased-in approach to approval of AC devices and a mutual recognition arrangement for EVSE approvals between Canada and the US. These comments may be taken into consideration as part of future revisions to MC's programs.
Conclusions and next steps
Measurement Canada would like to thank all respondents for their contributions to the consultation. MC will continue to work closely with industry stakeholders and consumer groups to ensure the integrity and accuracy of trade measurement and related technologies in Canada, in a manner that supports and fosters innovation while protecting consumers.
The feedback gathered during this consultation is valuable in developing the necessary revisions to the type-approval specifications and test procedures for EVSE and to other MC programs. MC is aiming to finalize and publish above-mentioned specifications and procedures in the coming months.